Whether they are leading, mentoring or advocating, there is no denying the impact of women in business. According to International Trade Canada, women-owned businesses contribute an impressive $150 billion annually and employ over 1.5 million people; and, according to BDC, those businesses’ revenues grew four times faster than the national average (as per a 2023 study). Business in Edmonton magazine talked to four women to discuss how they are leading in their industries.
Lynette Tremblay: It Starts with Authenticity
Founder: Iconoclast Solutions. Cofounder: Stay Spicy
Iconoclast Solutions helps businesses grow and enter new markets through customized branding, marketing, business strategies and leadership advice. Stay Spicy is focused on helping everyone explore and be their most authentic self through personal branding services, workshops and the Stay Spicy Podcast.
“Both Iconoclast and Stay Spicy are about being rooted in authenticity and sharing that with the world. It’s about people thinking differently to grow their businesses and expand internationally into new markets,” says Tremblay.
With many years of senior experience in economic development and marketing and branding international businesses in public and private sectors, Tremblay’s services and presentations have inspired thousands across the nation.
“Traditional marketing focuses on putting ourselves and our brand into a box of what we think potential clients or employers want or even expect, but I believe that is the wrong approach. I bring a new path forward – figure out your authentic self and brand and put that out there. That is how you find the customers and opportunities that are truly right for you. It’s hard to say ‘no’ to opportunities, but it is important to do so if they don’t align with you or your company’s value and branding.”
She is extremely passionate about “kicking down doors,” and then helping others through them.
“I say ‘kicking down doors’ intentionally because sometimes those doors don’t open easily! I use my experience to help other women get through those doors, hopefully with less bumps along the way. I see myself more as a mentor than a role model; although, I have had women come to me and say that the fact that I’m so open about my unfiltered authenticity helps them feel like they can be too.”
Her advice for women in businesses is, “Don’t adopt the mentality that you have to prove your way. You belong in those spaces, so start from that premise. You don’t have to be right for everyone and that is okay. Don’t give up if you don’t see a space that meshes with your authentic self. If you don’t see that space, create one.”
Funke Smith: Skills Pave the Path for Everyone
Founder & CEO: Skillcity Institute
skillcity.ca
Funke Smith established Skillcity Institute in 2015 to prepare young people from racialized communities and low-income households for the future of work. By partnering with local businesses, education providers and community partners, Skillcity delivers skill-building and project-based programs that connect learning to career opportunities. Funke is a passionate purveyor of equal opportunities to successful pathways.
“I wasn’t going to fold my arms and just mind my own business,” Smith says in response to coming to Canada and seeing the gaps that prevented the underserved from viable careers. Her career as an international development consultant, along with global travel and work experience, showed her the many different innovations from which Alberta’s workforce could benefit.
“I focus a lot on younger people because there’s a long time ahead of them that they could put to good use; and, like they say, if you want to empower someone, you don’t just give them fish. You teach them how to fish. Skillcity equips people with skills to fish and to become the best version of themselves.”
As a woman of colour and a corporate professional who immigrated to Canada, Smith knows she is in a unique position to reach – and to resonate – with the communities best served by Skillcity. In addition to leading her team, she is a passionate speaker, advocate and mentor.
“Women come to me for advice on many different aspects of life, and I used to wonder why. Now I realize it is because I don’t believe in holding back information. Any information that can help anyone to grow and become the best they can be in this world is what I want to give. I believe every human must be given the opportunity to maximise their potential.”
While Skillcity promotes STEM, the purpose behind the institute is to promote the skills that will provide long-term career access most efficiently.
“It’s about the transferable skills that are behind the disciplines, which everyone should be equipped with if they’re going to be competitive. In the world of work, STEM is power in your hands. In our organisation we say, ‘sweet dreams are made of skills,’ and that’s because we believe that if you aspire for greatness, you need to upskill. So, upskill! Reskill! That’s your power. That’s what you can sell. STEM range from critical thinking and problem solving to negotiation and to being resourceful and resilient – and these skills are everything today.”
Dr. Miral Mehta: Seeing the Future of Healthcare
Founder & CEO: Stellar Integrated Eye Care. Edmonton Co-founder & CEO: ATOM Health
stellareyecare.ca & atomhealth.ca
Stellar Integrated Eye Care is a holistic approach for your eye and vision health. Solutions range from preventative to curative. ATOM Health is a health-tech venture for individualized precision medicine for patients and caregivers.
Improving access to care is part of Dr. Miral Mehta’s mission.
“When I’m not treating my patients, I am working with companies at the intersection of healthcare and technology. With all the technological advances within our reach, it is important that they are used effectively to enhance health for all human beings. As a society, we are sometimes too compartmentalized in our approach to healthcare. It’s important to remember that when we look at health, we must look at the human body as a whole, even while we are treating a small portion of it. Even as an ophthalmologist, I always ensure I understand the patient’s symptoms as a whole person and aim to cure the eye problems in relation to their entire health.”
She continues, “When I moved to Canada in 2012, I experienced the challenges and struggles of an outsider entering the profession. The medical profession was still hesitating to accept me despite my qualifications, but I did not consider failure to be an option. While I was confident I’d make it through, I also learned coding, AI, blockchain and other technologies. I thought that if the Canadian medical system did not accept me, I could still use my medical knowledge to serve people by building health-tech solutions. Both these paths have been life-changing journeys.
“I learned a lot about how to navigate the challenges with my head held high. In the health-tech journey, I met some brilliant people who have done amazing work and taught me valuable lessons. While in any of these roles, I never looked at myself as a woman but as a professional and an expert. I felt that only merit matters, not how you look. However, time and time again I was reminded that I am a woman, and a woman of colour.”
Dr. Mehta took that challenge and turned it into her superpower.
“These challenges gave me strength, resolve and confidence. I hope that through my challenges and through my learnings I can empower other women and future generations to stand their ground and fight their battles.”
For women entering healthcare, she advises three things.
“Trust your instincts. On that long hard road, that’s your best guide and your source of strength. Think like a woman. Men and women do think differently. We are wired to think more empathetically. Lastly, find your tribe. While there may be people around you who want you to fail there are many other people in your lives, who want to see you succeed, who want to help, mentor and guide you. Surround yourself with an incredible circle, it’s life-changing!”
Dr. Mehta concludes, “I have always been passionate about healthcare. I was one of those kids who knew from elementary school that I wanted to go to med school and be a physician. Growing up, I looked at physicians as life savers. A physician is a selfless and empathetic caregiver whose goal is to alleviate pain and suffering to help improve lives. That has been my motivation and my purpose. When I treat my patients, nothing else gives me more joy than seeing them feel better and enjoy good health and well-being.”
Jessica Reid: Building Upwards with Collaboration
President: Reid’s Roofing & Insulation
reidsroofing.net
Reid’s Roofing is a trusted provider of high-quality roofing and insulation services, backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty that ensures lasting results. They offer a wide array of services such as repairs, skylights, custom exterior finishing and metal roofs while enjoying Best of HomeStars awards for 10 consecutive years.
Reid had worked in tandem with her husband on the business and took on the president role when he passed away in 2018.
“After he passed, I took a step back and asked myself about my motivations to continue the work. Aside from building his legacy as number one, creating a positive change in this industry was the first thing that came to mind.”
She continues, “I know that I wanted to do something to change something in this world and I think being a female in the male dominated industry empowers that. Women are just as capable and we are just as strong and when you have little people looking up to you, it really pushes you forward. Yes, we face setbacks as females in these spaces, but I don’t think, ‘I can’t do that.’ Ultimately, the choice is always yours.”
Reid’s Roofing is very well known across the city and is an entrepreneurial success story from its start to the present day. The fact that it is female-led makes an impact on the up-and-coming generation.
“It is inspiring to hear that younger people are looking up to me. It warms my heart and I feel proud in those moments. Our main priority is to serve clients through our solutions and quality work, and that goes beyond earning a paycheck.”
For women with an eye on the construction industry, Reid says, “Believe in yourself. You are capable. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Build your circle. My father said to me before he passed, ‘You are who you surround yourself with,’ and I would say in that regard that I have one of the best teams out there. It’s huge to build a positive circle around yourself, to empower you, to build you up and also to do the same for them.”
